Here, however, they were besieged by the enemy; but the arrival of Tancred, on his return from his victorious expedition, together with reinforcements from the main army, relieved them from the presence of the Turks, who retreated upon Antioch. CHAPTER VII. _The Host of the Crusade invests Antioch--Description of that City-- Difficulties and Errors of the Crusaders--Improvidence--Famine--Spies-- Desertions--Embassy from the Calif of Egypt--Succours from the Genoese and Pisans--Battle--Feats of the Christian Knights--Boemond keeps up a Communication within the Town--The Town betrayed to the Christians-- Massacres--Arrival of an Army from Persia--The Christians besieged in Antioch--Famine--Desertions--Visions--Renewed Enthusiasm--Diminished Forces of the Christians--Battle of Antioch--The Crusaders victorious-- Spoils--Disputes with the Count of Toulouse--The Chiefs determine to repose at Antioch--Ambassadors sent to Alexius--Fate of their Embassy._ The army now began to approach towards Antioch; and it was evident, that the task which the champions of the Cross had undertaken was becoming more and more difficult, as it drew near its consummation. The host was proceeding further and further from all resources; its enemies were gathering strength and falling back upon fresh supplies; multitudes of the invaders had died, and others were each day joining the dead: little hope of fresh reinforcements could be entertained, and the flame of enthusiasm was waxing dim, while fatigue, privation, and continual anxiety were gradually bringing disgust to the enterprise. The council of leaders,[308] well aware of the increasing dangers, now issued orders that in future no party whatever should absent itself from the main body; and all considerable detachments having rejoined it, they marched on to the valley of the Orontes. Over that river a stone bridge of nine arches was the only passage: this was strongly fortified, and closed with doors plated with iron, from which circumstance it had received the name of the iron-bridge. The Turks defended this formidable position with great valour against Robert, Duke of Normandy, who commanded the advance guard of the crusading army; but on the arrival of Godfrey and the other forces, the bridge was carried, the river passed, and Antioch invested.